Become a Trustee

Trustees and good governance are an essential part of a charity as Trustees are responsible for ensuring the organisation is doing what it was set up to do and making decisions about how it is run and future developments.

Since being established in 1995, Carers in Hertfordshire has built a reputation on high quality services, led by carers; for carers. We are now seeking a number of individuals committed to our purpose, objectives and values to become Trustees.

We invite applicants that can introduce new experiences and perspectives to our current Board and add to the existing variety and diversity of our work. Whilst we are open to all applicants, we are particularly interested in hearing from carers or people with previous experience of caring for someone, over 18, with expertise in:

Finance (treasurer);

Law;

Media/PR;

Mental health.

Please do not feel put off if you are unable to demonstrate skills in one or more of these areas as we would like to hear from anyone interested in joining our Board, regardless of experience.Although this is a voluntary role, reasonable expenses will be covered.

Carers in Hertfordshire are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of our members. We ask that all staff and volunteers share this commitment and all roles are subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

If you would like the chance to meet our Trustees and to find out more about their role within Carers in Hertfordshire, there will be an opportunity to do so on 10th August, 5.30pm – 7.30pm at Mill Green Golf Club, Gypsy Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 4TY.

So, if you are a carer, aged over 18, and are interested in learning more about meeting our Trustees and applying to join the Board, please email for more information.

If you do have any questions about the role please call 01992 58 69 69 or write to:

A Message from Mike Ormerod, Chair of Trustees

My name is Mike Ormerod and I was a teacher (11 – 19) for 36 years in a former life. I am a carer for my son who has Aspergers – he just turned 30 and lives with his mother and me. I was a carer for my mum for 10 ½ years as she developed vascular dementia and went from independent living to daily carers, a live-in carer moving in with my family, and finally, a care home. I did not connect with Carers in Hertfordshire as somewhere to go for help, guidance and support (more fool me I suppose); too busy trying to work and care and cope.

When my mum went into a home just after I had taken early retirement, I finally went to a Dementia Forum run by Carers in Hertfordshire. What an eye-opener that was! I was really impressed and inspired. I went on a “Stronger Voice” course, then I joined the Carer Trainer Unit, then I volunteered for Mentor training; one course each new year.

I met staff, other volunteers and the Trustees, got to know them and admire their dedication, ethics, principle and commitment. When they asked for more Trustees I nervously volunteered for that as well. They were and are extremely welcoming and supportive, knowledgeable and practical. We discussed what I could offer, what I wanted to get involved in and how they could help me.

I now help, with the other Trustees, to set and maintain our vision and values for the charity in the future. We establish and monitor policies and help to support Michele as the CEO. We question and hold to account any and all those who provide services for carers and lobby for services that we think they should be providing.

Being a Trustee is “probably” the best role I have had in my time with Carers in Hertfordshire, but so has each choice I have made. (In January 2016 I will be trained by them to become a Carer Ambassador.)

If you are interested in doing more and have some time, we would love to meet with and talk to you about your experiences and skills and about being a Trustee.

A Message from Jenny Young, Honorary President of Carers in Hertfordshire

Carers in Hertfordshire is a ‘rare breed’ of organisation. It always puts the people it was formed to support first. Whatever challenges the charity has had to face, and there have been many, it has always looked to the quality of services it offers to all of us first.

Until I had the opportunity to join the steering group which started Carers in Hertfordshire, I had been very alone and desperate as a carer for a great number of years. What I didn’t have was the support of an organisation like them to guide me to the best services, give me advice and confidence and introduce me to other carers to share my frustrations and sadness without being judged.

Even now that my daughter is in residential care there are still many times when I need, and get, help and advice about how to solve issues regarding her safety and wellbeing. Just because the person you care for doesn’t live at home it doesn’t mean you stop being fully involved and Carers in Hertfordshire recognises that too.

Carers in Hertfordshire does genuinely care for the carer….it understands us, our needs and helps us lead less stressful and much happier lives knowing it is there and we are not alone.